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By Mihar Dias ©️ Copyright July 2023
In the midst of political turbulence within UMNO, there is a rumour of a mutiny which may be likened to the historical dram of the Mutiny on the Bounty where mutineers took control over the ship and cast the captain adrift aboard a tiny vessel.
Murray Hunter's analysis of the situation draws parallels between the grassroots revolt in UMNO and the dissent among DAP members in Penang, using the failed pardon for Najib Razak as a catalyst for potential uprising against UMNO party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Just as grassroots DAP members expressed their displeasure over the removal of incumbent chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, a faction within UMNO is dissatisfied with Zahid's inability to secure a pardon for Najib.
Anyway, Chow's position is now resolved since DAP leadership has decided to maintain him in his role as CM.
On the other hand, the discontent within Umno has been growing stronger since the general election, with many within the party criticizing Zahid's leadership.
If you recalked to off challenges, Zahid postponed the party election for the top two posts and purged his critics through expulsions and suspensions.
However, Zahid's actions have further alienated his supporters within UMNO.
Rumours suggest that those supporting Najib may boycott voting for BN in the upcoming state elections.
Moreover, some UMNO state assembly persons in Pahang and Perak are planning to defect to PAS after nomination day, which could lead to a crisis and potentially topple the BN-led state governments.
The disappointment of MCA and MIC, who were not given any seats to contest in the state elections, has fueled further discontent. They are seriously considering their future within BN, adding to the sense of uncertainty.
Additionally, several federal UMNO and suspended UMNO MPs are contemplating resigning their seats, which could trigger by-elections and unsettle the unity government's numbers in parliament
According to Hunter, the potential resignations include MPs from Jelebu in Negeri Sembilan, Sembrong and Simpang Renggam in Johor, and Bera in Pahang. The main drivers behind the current mutiny in UMNO are the unresolved issue of Najib's pardon and Zahid's divisive leadership style.
Zahid's expulsions of high-profile members have already incurred significant costs for UMNO and are likely to have further repercussions.
In summary, the mutiny within UMNO against Zahid's leadership can be compared to the mutiny on the Bounty, with dissent growing among grassroots members and factions within the party.
In Mutiny on the Bounty, the mutineers took over the ship and set the Captain adrift on a small boat into the blue yonder. Is a similar fate likely to fall upon Zahid should Umno mutineers gain control of the party?
Anyway, the failure to secure a pardon for Najib Razak, along with Zahid's divisive actions, has fueled the discontent, potentially leading to significant consequences even a possible mutiny for UMNO and the broader political landscape in Malaysia perhaps leading to more instability in current government.
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